Lawmakers Demand Answers from Social Security Over Delays in Expanded Benefits for Public Employees

U.S. senators from across the political spectrum expressed urgent concerns on Thursday regarding the potential delay in implementing an expansion of Social Security benefits. This expansion, which was approved by Congress last year, may take over a year to enact.

The senators, numbering 28, emphasized the significance of the Social Security Fairness Act, stating it is designed to reinstate full benefits for many teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public servants adversely affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). “We call for the immediate implementation of this legislation to provide prompt relief to the millions of Americans impacted by WEP and GPO,” the letter read.

They requested Commissioner Michelle King to provide Congress with regular updates and briefings on the agency’s progress in implementing the new law.

The letter garnered support from notable senators, including Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), among others. The bipartisan group underscores the importance of addressing the needs of those affected quickly.

Currently, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a webpage dedicated to addressing queries about the law and its implementation. However, the agency cannot yet provide an estimated timeframe for adjusting individuals’ past or future benefits, urging the public to remain patient.

Additionally, the webpage outlines how those who have not previously filed for benefits due to the WEP or GPO can now apply, thanks to this new legislation. A spokesperson for the SSA confirmed receipt of the senators’ letter, promising a direct response to the requestors.

This legislative change, approved with significant bipartisan support at the end of last year and signed into law by then-President Joe Biden in January, affects an estimated 746,000 Americans due to the pension offset and approximately 2.1 million due to the windfall provision, according to a Congressional Research Service report. This report provides insights into the states most impacted by these provisions.